Vinicola Real, the very heart of Rioja.

I met Miguel Angel Rodriguez a few years ago while visiting Alta Rioja. I vividly remember him talking about the vineyards and the story of Sarracino, Garsea, Salvo and the rest of the 200 priests who inhabited the Monastery of San Martin de Albelda in the 10th century. They dedicated their lives to safeguarding traditional agriculture. Highly regarded for distinctive and age-worthy red wines, Rioja is Spain’s most celebrated wine region. Needless to say that during my visit I was totally blown away. Witnessing such passion meant something totally different for me, changing I'd say.

Back in 1992 Miguel Angel began to excavate in Albelda de Iregua, this is how it all started. He then began to shape a remarkable project for unique, long aging wines, all expressive of the rich and complex terroir they come from. Vinicola Real, was built near the Santa Catalina Chapel, which is the only preserved part of the San Martin de Albelda Monastery. This monastery was founded in 924 AD and it was destroyed due to the landslide of the Salagona Crag in 1683.

Old manuscripts found in Vinicola Real.

The winery has a vocation for small productions, specializing in high-quality wines and 'estate wines'. Traditional, chemical-free viticulture is still practiced in 25 hectares of vineyards in 4 different zones. All grapes are harvested and processed by hand prior to crushing and fermentation. The vineyards sit on a clay soil, the same soil that a thousand years ago was worked for catholic hermits. The so well-preserved traditional practices in juxtaposition with the rich terroir, are the reason why these wines stand out as complex, elegant and perfectly balanced.

Today, one can visit Vinicola Real, which has become a historical landmark and enjoy tastings, guided tours and other events. 'La Casa del Cofrade', the winery's boutique hotel, offers accommodation for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs willing to know more about 200 Monges and Cueva del Monge wines, as wells as about the history of this beautiful place.

200 Monges Reserva Especial, a cuvee of 100% Tempranillo -aged for 18 months in new French oak and held for 20 months in bottle prior to release- will be my today's recommendation. As Jay Miller described it for Wine Advocate, it shows deep purple in color and offers up a breathtaking bouquet of exceptional complexity. Sandalwood, a hint of balsamic, exotic spices, lavender, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas inform the nose of a multi-dimensional, complex, plush, layered offering with superb volume and impeccable balance.

And to the man (and team) behind these wines, a big thank you for saving a fragment of our history and cultural heritage, for the hospitality, the laughs and such powerful inspiration!

Let's talk about wine again soon!

Feliz miércoles amigos! Cheers!